THEY met on the school bus at the age of 13, are hotly-tipped for the Christmas number one - and now they are coming to Worcester, again.

Folk-soul acoustic duo Nizlopi hail from Leamington Spa and comprise Luke Concannon, on vocals, acoustic guitarist and percussion, and John Parker, on double bass, human beat box and acoustic guitar.

With a debut album under their belt and pundits tipping them for the top spot over the festive period, with their tune JCB Song, the future looks bright.

The icing on the cake for them could be a sell-out gig at the Marr's Bar in Worcester's Pierpoint Street on Monday, December 19.

The venue holds a special place in their hearts, with the duo previously describing it as a 'home from home'. For more information on the band, visit www.nizlopi.com

Riot of sound

A LIVELY rock and blues group will be hoping to cause a musical riot in Worcester when they play their first gig in seven years in the city this weekend.

Breach of the Peace formed about 15 years ago and comprise Richard Hinds on lead guitar, Steve Matthews on vocals, Graham Bond on drums, 'Tiny' on bass guitar, Steve Frost on guitar and Richard James on piano.

The six-piece Worcester-based band play a mixture of classic rock and blues covers from bands such as Free, Bad Company, Stereophonics, Green Day and The Rolling Stones.

They re-formed in October to play at a 40th birthday party in Worcester and it went down so well that they are now hoping to tour the pubs and clubs in the city.

They are next set to play at the city's Severn View Hotel in Newport Street at 8.15pm tomorrow for a free gig.

Duck reunion

SIXTIES band Rubber Duck held their ninth annual reunion gig in front of a packed house in Worcester and raised £275 for St Richard's Hospice.

Sam Connell, of Hallow Road, was joined by other original band members Joe Dunnett and Phil Hobbis alongside guest artists and friends on guitar, drums and saxophone. More than 170 fans turned up at the Coppertops in Oldbury Road for the event.

A lot of the money was raised by a grand draw, with prizes sponsored by Thompson Discount Electrical, in the CrownGate, Worcester.

Building work has recently started on the new St Richard's Hospice near County Hall, Spetchley, Worcester, and campaigners are working to raise the remaining £250,000 needed to complete the Building Beds Together campaign.